Transit home for baby-brigade

[October 03, 2003 - 11.00 GMT]

The first batch of LTTE child soldiers were freed yesterday under a UNICEF programme. The demobilized children will be moved to the first “transit home” for former underage fighters, to be opened in the Kilinochchi district. 

According to BBC about 50 children have been released by the LTTE. The children have spent varying periods of time with the LTTE. The transit home is to be run by local and foreign non-governmental agencies including UNICEF and the LTTE’s charity wing, which has attracted criticism locally because of the LTTE’s involvement in the rehabilitation process. 

UNICEF said the home would allow for an initial assessment of the children and arrange for their return to civilian life.   

The LTTE has faced repeated international criticism for their recruitment of child soldiers during the decades old war.

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Last Updated Date: October 03, 2003  -11.00 GMT.